183 South Project: First Stretch of Brand-New Roadway Opens to Traffic

(Austin, Texas) – The Central Texas Regional Mobility Authority (Mobility Authority) has hit a significant milestone in the construction of the 183 South project. Construction crews have completed the first stretch of the new northbound general-purpose lanes between 51st Street and Manor/Springdale Road. Traffic will shift to this brand-new stretch of roadway overnight Friday, April 20, weather permitting, so that crews can begin construction of the 183 South expressway lanes.

This traffic shift marks significant progress toward meeting the interim milestone for the project, which targets opening the first section of the new 183 South expressway between Manor/Springdale Road and TechniCenter Drive in 2019.

“We are on track to open this transformative project in 2020 as promised,” says Mike Heiligenstein, executive director for the Mobility Authority. “We appreciate the patience of the traveling public and the project’s neighbors as we work to improve mobility, economic opportunity and quality of life in this important and vibrant corridor. I predict 183 South will become the next golden corridor for east Austin in terms of employment opportunities and housing for all our citizens.”

The opening of the new southbound general-purpose lanes between Manor/Springdale Road and 51st Street is expected in mid-May, and will facilitate the reopening of the Loyola Lane intersection on the west side of US 183. The Loyola Lane crossing at US 183 will remain closed until later this year. The reopening of Loyola Lane west of US 183 will allow right turn movements between Loyola Lane and US 183, restoring access for residents and businesses.

About 183 South:
The Central Texas Regional Mobility Authority is building a new tolled expressway with three lanes in each direction on an eight-mile section of US 183 between US 290 and SH 71. In addition, the Mobility Authority will be reconstructing and improving the non-tolled US 183 general purpose lanes and adding $25 million worth of pedestrian and bicyclist facilities. The project will open in phases between 2019 and 2020, offering greater mobility for all users of the corridor.

About the Mobility Authority:
The Central Texas Regional Mobility Authority is a local, independent government agency created in 2002 to improve the regional transportation system in Travis and Williamson Counties. The Mobility Authority implements innovative and sustainable transportation options to enhance quality of life and economic vitality in Central Texas. The Mobility Authority operates 183A Toll in Williamson County, 290 Toll and the 71 Toll Lanes in east Austin, MoPac Express Lane. The agency is also building the eight-mile 183 South in east Austin, and the four-mile SH 45SW toll road between FM 1626 and MoPac in southern Travis and northern Hays counties. For more information about the Mobility Authority, visit www.MobilityAuthority.com